Soil & Water Conservation District Named Conservation Technical District of the Year by NCASWCD
The Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District (Durham SWCD) was named the Conservation Technical District of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (NCASWCD) at its 80th annual conference held at the Sheraton Imperial inside Research Triangle Park in Durham, January 7-9, 2024.
"These awards are the results of our department's efforts and the alliance to the citizens of Durham County," said Durham SWCD Director Eddie Culberson. "Our staff is continuously on the cutting edge by thinking outside the box. As Director of this department, it was rewarding to stand before our cohorts from across the state to be recognized for the fruits of our labor."
The NCASWCD awards the Conservation Technical District of the Year Award to promote conservation and to allow one of the 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state to be recognized. The annual award recognizes a Soil and Water Conservation District for its outstanding achievements in delivering a technical program that exceeded others. It was among many honors handed out to representatives of Durham County at the event, which saw Durham Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Nimasheena Burns give opening remarks. The NCASWCD honors a variety of statewide Conservation Districts, teachers, and farmers in North Carolina.
"This award reflects the department's tireless work in fostering sustainable land use practices, protecting water quality, and promoting soil health," said Vice Chair Burns. "Such achievements are crucial in ensuring a resilient and environmentally sound future for Durham County. Under the exemplary leadership of Director Eddie Culberson, the team has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, dedication to community engagement, and a proactive approach in addressing the complex environmental challenges of our time."
In 2023, the Durham SWCD recognized Monica Unger with R.N. Harris Elementary and Jenny Bailey with Riverside High School as the Conservation Education Teachers of the Year in elementary and secondary education. Ms. Unger and Ms. Bailey went on to compete at the state competition, and both were awarded NC Conservation Education Teachers of the Year by the NCASWCD at the weekend's ceremony.
"These distinguished teachers, whose commitment to integrating conservation and environmental stewardship into their curriculum have not only inspired their students but have also made a profound impact on our community's awareness and involvement in sustainable practices," said Burns. "I champion, their innovative teaching methods that have provided students with invaluable hands-on experiences. Their approach has not only enriched the educational journey of their students but has also fostered a deeper understanding and respect for our natural environment among the younger generation."
Durham County also nominated Bull City Farm of Rougemont for the NCASWCD's "Outstanding Conservation Farm Family," which recognizes farmers/farm families for taking the initiative to implement sound, innovative, and cost-effective conservation techniques and are being actively involved in conservation education. Bull City Farm, owned and operated by Samantha Gasson and Scott Stirrup, competed at the area level before being chosen by the NCASWCD as the Piedmont Farm Family of the Year.
"Behind each award, there's a story of countless hours of dedication to conserve, enhance, and promote the natural resources of Durham County," said Durham SWCD Senior Administrative Officer Lisa Marochak. "The awards serve as a reminder that hard work never goes unnoticed."
Have questions about the Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District's programming and services? Visit the Durham SWCD website at www.dconc.gov/SWCD or call 919-560-0558.
About the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
The N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts is an organization whose membership includes conservation district supervisors in the state's 96 local soil and water conservation districts. The association works in partnership with the N.C. Division of Soil and Water, N.C. Soil and Water Conservation Commission, N.C. Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA) to develop, administer and deliver educational workshops, events, outreach materials, technical assistance, and conservation programs to North Carolina's citizens.
The association is divided into eight areas in North Carolina. Each area has its own set of officers who conduct two area meetings each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. These area meetings provide district supervisors and other agencies an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and to cultivate relationships with organizations and agencies that work and partner with districts. These Areas also sponsor educational opportunities in poster, essay, speech and Envirothon categories.